How We Lived Next Door to Disney World (It’s Easier Than You Think)

I was so proud of myself for actually holding it in for as long as I did. But when the lady behind the counter wished me a magical day I finally lost it.

The day we got our Disney World Annual Passes was a day that will forever be emblazoned on my heart. I know it’s just some parks and I know it probably sounds crazy to cry about, but getting those passes represented something far more than just entrance to some theme parks.

I can clearly remember the moment that Jon and decided to move next door to Disney World.

Our kids were 8, 6, and 1 year old. We lived just outside of Denver, Colorado.

Jon and I were sitting at his computer planning a Disney vacation. We were trying to decide how long we wanted to stay. 7 days? 10 days? Wouldn’t it be fun to stay for two whole weeks?

Then Jon said the one sentence that started everything rolling, “Wouldn’t it be cool to live next door to Disney World and go any time we wanted?”

When Jon and I decided to move next to Disney World we really didn’t have a clue how everything was going to fall into place. We just had the idea, LOVED the idea, and moved forward, step-by-step. Each step took a tremendous amount of faith and we learned so many valuable life lessons. One of which is to never give up on your dreams.

Before we ever moved there I could picture us dropping our older two off at school and then Jon, Lily, and I would head over to Hollywood Studios so she could watch the Live Playhouse Disney show, sing along with the Frozen crew.

Then Jon and I could each take a turn on Rockin’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror. I imagined spending a leisurely Friday evening with our family at the Magic Kingdom exploring new sites, visiting our favorite rides, and stuffing our faces with funnel cake. I imagined it all and I couldn’t wait for it to finally happen.

Then as if by magic our lives reflected the exact thing we had imagined.

We found the cutest and best community so close to the Magic Kingdom that we could watch the fireworks from our home every night.

Disney World became our playground and for the next 2 years we became familiar with each and every corner of the parks + resorts. It became a part of us.

Every Tuesday after I took the older kids to school and put Lily down for her morning nap, I would go to Hollywood Studios. (Jon worked from home so he could stay with Lily. 🙂 ) I would get fast passes for Rockin’ Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, and Star Tours. Plus I would attend a Disney animation class before I headed home to pick the kids up from school.

Jon and I would head to the Magic Kingdom for date night. After sharing a funnel cake (with strawberries, of course!) we would ride Big Thunder Mountain, the teacups, become a galactic hero with Buzz Light Year, hop on Space Mountain a few times and then end the evening by watching the nighttime fireworks show.

Our family spent more days and nights exploring and experiencing Disney in a way that very few people ever get the opportunity to do. It has been one of the biggest blessings of our lives.

This kind of life isn’t just for people like us. (In fact, I still pinch myself when I think of what we actually got to experience!)

This is possible for you too.

It truly is.

Whether you want to live next door to Disney World or have the freedom to fulfill a lifelong dream.

Welcome to Being Katie Brave! I’m so happy to have you here. If you’re looking to take better pictures (stress-free!), get the inside scoop on all things Disney World, or be inspired to live YOUR best life (even if especially if it scares you to death) …you’re in the right place. I ’ve written 3 photography books, our family lived at Disney World for 2 years, and wear my heart on my sleeve…all of which would never have come to pass if I didn’t push past my fears and step in the darkness. Join me as I share my adventure of life, one post at a time.

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Welcome to Being Katie Brave! I’m so happy to have you here. If you’re looking to take better pictures (stress-free!), get the inside scoop on all things Disney World, or be inspired to live YOUR best life (especially if it scares you to death) …you’re in the right place. I’ve written 3 photography books, our family lived at Disney World for 2 years, and I wear my heart on my sleeve…all of which never would've come to pass if I didn’t push past my fears and step in the darkness. Join me as I share my adventure of life, one post at a time.